The Importers Workshop: 2 Day Advanced Guide to Import Procedures

This highly popular two-day workshop, a practical follow-up to Import Essentials, focuses on applying customs procedures in real-world scenarios. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their own import documentation, allowing hands-on exercises to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills. Through these interactive sessions, delegates will gain a deeper understanding of customs rules and receive clear, actionable guidance on import regulations.

Description

This engaging two-day workshop from Strong & Herd provides an in-depth exploration of the importing process, covering all aspects of import procedures. Throughout the two days, we will examine import supply chain issues and delve into critical topics such as tariff classification, duty reliefs, and rules of origin and preference. The workshop aims to enhance your understanding of customs regulations while offering clear guidance on the necessary information and documentation for the international supply chain. 

Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their import documentation, allowing them to focus on specific areas relevant to their roles or business needs. The practical exercises will help turn theoretical knowledge into actionable skills, adding significant value and impact to this comprehensive workshop. This course is an ideal follow-up to Import Essentials or for those with experience with import procedures. 

Previous experience in importing or prior attendance at our Import Essentials one-day course is recommended, as this is an advanced course designed for those looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in import procedures. 

Prerequisites

Previous importing experience or prior attendance at our Import Essentials one-day course is recommended. 

Testimonials

"Great interaction and the ability to still ask questions even though on virtual presentations." 24/02/2021

"Calvin was extremely thorough will all of his information, very informative and I learnt a lot."  Kiera Bennett  28/01/2021

Who Should Consider this Course?

This advanced workshop is ideal for professionals involved in the import process across various sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. Import/export coordinators, customs compliance specialists, and supply chain managers will benefit from the in-depth exploration of complex import procedures and regulations. Additionally, professionals in the agricultural, automotive, technology, and pharmaceutical industries, where understanding customs requirements and tariff classifications is critical, will find this course particularly valuable. Anyone looking to enhance their expertise and effectively navigate the intricacies of international importing will significantly benefit from attending this workshop. 

Course Structure and Key Topics

The course runs from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, including regular breaks and a lunch break.  

This course is designed to be highly interactive, with quizzes, activities, and Q&A sessions. We encourage delegates to actively engage with the course tutor throughout the day, fostering a dynamic learning environment where everyone's input is valued. This interactive approach ensures that you not only understand the course material but also learn how to apply it in real-world scenarios.   

Day One 

  • Be introduced to the rules and regulations. 

  • Focus on customs law. 

  • Understand the import chain of events, including controlling an import. 

  • Review valuation issues, including putting the WTO Valuation Rules to practical use. 

  • Focus on Special Regimes. 

Day Two 

  • Focus on Tariff Classification. 

  • Review Incoterms®, and they affect the movement of goods and can reduce risk. 

  • Understand the rules of Origin and Preference and use them to your advantage. 

  • Focus on the Methods of Payment available to importers. 

  • Understand how to implement internal communication within your department and with others. 

 

Why the Strong & Herd Course is Unique

What distinguishes Strong & Herd training courses is our commitment to empowering participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, enabling them to take a proactive approach in their job roles. Our courses are led by industry experts with extensive practical experience in international trade, ensuring participants gain valuable insights and expertise. 

Similar courses

This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to complete import Customs entries in the UK. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to build the data entry information, which data elements are essential, and how to declare payment methods. By the end of the session, you will have the knowledge to complete a basic import Customs entry and the confidence to build on this to submit more complicated entries. This is important whether you are an agent or importer.

More Information

This course is designed for those handling temporary movements of goods, whether for demonstrations, exhibitions, testing, or repairs. Participants will learn the customs and commercial processes required to manage these movements, ensure compliance, and minimise unnecessary costs. Whether goods are hand-carried or sent as unaccompanied freight, the course covers the necessary export and import declarations to manage temporary shipments and avoid customs delays effectively.

More Information

This interactive workshop clarifies the difference between origin and preferential origin, emphasising their role in trade compliance. Through case studies and exercises, participants will learn about essential documentation, declarations, and compliance verification for preferential rules in trade agreements. With the increase in HMRC audits, this session equips businesses with the skills to confidently manage origin determination and ensure compliance in both import and export activities.

More Information

Following on from the Beginners Guide to Exporting and Importing, this interactive session covers the critical areas of exporting goods. It covers essential details about the Incoterms® rules, export documentation, and working with freight forwarders to ensure goods are correctly declared. It is ideal for anyone whose job has an export connection, whether in sales, contracts, finance, shipping, or for a managerial overview.

More Information

This presentation focusses on what the HMRC Authorised Economic Operator Status accreditation is, but more importantly, examines whether being an AEO will benefit your own organisation or if staying outside the AEO system will have a detrimental effect on your business. AEO status was introduced in the EU in 2008 and is now part of UK legislation and will be linked to the new border management system coming into force the Trusted Trader Scheme.

More Information

This session provides essential guidance on managing VAT in international trade. Participants will learn about UK VAT zero-rating for export supplies, required evidence, VAT obligations for receiving supplies, handling import VAT, and postponed VAT accounting (PVA). The course also covers reclaiming import VAT and when a UK business needs VAT registration in foreign markets, including the EU. Gain practical knowledge to ensure compliance and streamline your VAT processes.

More Information

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Inward Processing (IP) and Outward Processing (OP), essential customs procedures that allow businesses to bring goods into the UK for processing, repair, or service without incurring unnecessary duties or VAT, especially when the ownership of goods being returned for repair, service or calibration are not yours. By using these special procedures correctly, businesses can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency.

More Information

This course is designed to help traders prepare for HMRC audits, ensuring their understanding and compliance with customs regulations. It will cover essential procedural requirements and key areas of focus in audits, such as valuation, origin preference, VAT, evidence of export, the use of special procedures (IP/OP), and Returned Goods Relief (RGR). Delegates will leave with a practical checklist to support thorough preparation for HMRC’s customs audits.

More Information

With the changes brought about by the UK's exit from the EU, more companies are turning to customs warehouses as a crucial tool for maintaining an efficient supply chain. This workshop provides a comprehensive guide to setting up a customs-bonded warehouse facility in the UK. You will learn how to improve cash flow, navigate new customs regimes and trade agreements, and save money using Simplified Procedures, all while ensuring compliance with post-Brexit customs requirements.

More Information

This engaging and informative one-day course will introduce you to the world of exporting and importing and focus on the terms and practices used through interactive exercises and activities. This will give you an insight into how goods are bought and sold worldwide.

More Information

This advanced workshop will not only teach you how to create an export declaration on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), but also provide you with the confidence to do so effectively. Each data element group will be thoroughly explained, with illustrative examples provided. Our technical advisors, with their extensive experience in multiple software solutions for CDS entries, will equip you with the practical knowledge to complete Customs export declarations.

More Information

This advanced workshop will not only teach you how to create an import declaration on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), but also provide you with the confidence to do so effectively. Each data element group will be thoroughly explained, with illustrative examples provided. Our technical advisors, with their extensive experience in multiple software solutions for CDS entries, will equip you with the practical knowledge to complete Customs import declarations.

More Information

This core S&H training course is an excellent way to learn about importing. It is designed to provide participants with a practical understanding of essential topics, such as Customs procedures and the UK Trade Tariff, as well as implications for choosing the correct shipping term, paying duties and managing the logistics. The aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to streamline import operations and work effectively with internal departments and freight forwarders.

More Information

In this workshop, participants will learn why the tariff is essential for accurate commodity code classification and its connections to other vital trade measures. The course explores the structure of the Harmonised System (HS) and includes interactive sessions to help you master the classification of your goods. You’ll gain an understanding of section and chapter notes, as well as when and how to apply the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs), ensuring confidence and accuracy in tariff classification.

More Information

This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to complete export Customs entries in the UK. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to build the data entry information, which data elements are essential, and how to declare license information. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge to complete a basic export Customs entry and the confidence to build on this to submit more complicated entries. This is important whether you are an agent or an exporter.

More Information

Engaging in global trade can expose companies to increased risks and costs, such as lost goods, unnecessary delays, and disputes. Clearly defining responsibilities within the supply chain can mitigate these issues, which is the purpose of the Incoterms® Rules that have been in place since 1936. However, Incoterms® are often misunderstood and misapplied. Ensure you are utilising them correctly by participating in our full-day interactive course.

More Information

This course focuses on the practical aspects of UK Customs procedures. It covers the crucial areas of Customs compliance and provides a comprehensive overview of the Customs Special Procedures that exporters and importers can utilise to save import duties and taxes. In the post-Brexit era, organisations are under increased pressure to demonstrate their understanding of Customs procedures to HMRC, and this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to do just that.

More Information

The course aims to guide you to a higher standard of compliance with import and export legislation. After attending, delegates will leave with greater confidence in updating/reviewing existing procedures, talking to logistics providers, and explaining complicated issues in a simple way to other business areas.

More Information

This hands-on course covers essential customs valuation principles, focusing on the WTO Valuation Agreement and its application under UK law. Participants will learn the differences between intercompany pricing and customs valuation and how to calculate import values, including required cost additions and exclusions. Through practical exercises, attendees gain insights to ensure compliance and accuracy in valuing goods for customs, whether for sales, returns, temporary movements, or free-of-charge items.

More Information

This session is essential as the UK develops independent trade arrangements to boost imports and exports. It covers foundational concepts of FTAs and PTAs and examines their structure, purpose, and key elements, like rules of origin, with emphasis on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). This course empowers professionals to navigate international trade confidently and leverage FTAs for a competitive advantage.

More Information

Since the UK departed from the EU, there has been a growing need to manage temporary movements of goods. If you're involved in sending or receiving items for purposes such as demonstration, exhibition, testing, or using professional equipment, the Passport for Goods may be worth considering. This half-day session will introduce you to the ATA Carnet Scheme, an international system designed for the temporary movement of goods.

More Information

This newly launched course is designed to meet the rising demand for specialised training in the export processes specific to food and drink products. It offers comprehensive guidance on navigating the complex regulatory landscape, including an in-depth look at the key regulatory bodies involved in the export process, their functions, and the specific requirements they impose on exporters in the food and drink sector.

More Information

Importing food, drink, plant health products, POAO, and composite goods into the UK requires an awareness of the phytosanitary and pre-registration requirements. This full-day session will focus on what a trader needs to know to bring goods through customs and port health and meet other government department regulations, e.g., DEFRA. It will also demonstrate the pre-notification process on IPAFFS.

More Information

Designed for anyone involved in classifying food products whether for Imports or Exports. This one-day workshop has been introduced to meet growing demand for specialist training in the Tariff Classification of food products in chapters 1-24 of the Integrated tariff of the UK that apply to importing Food and drink products.

More Information

This popular workshop is aimed at anyone involved in international trade and customs compliance within a business. Whether from a management or administrative point of view, this course will illustrate how to promote a strong "compliance culture" throughout an organisation. It assists in understanding international regulations and how to establish performance metrics (KPIs). It covers classification, valuation, origin, duty minimisation schemes, licences, AEO, and audits.

More Information

This two-day course is an ideal progression for those who have completed Export Essentials, the Export/Import Practitioner Learning Pathway, or individuals with experience in export operations. It provides a clear, practical, and thorough exploration of the core aspects of export procedures tailored to today’s trade environment.

More Information

This engaging and informative one-day course will introduce you to the world of exporting and importing and focus on the terms and practices used through interactive exercises and activities. This will give you an insight into how goods are bought and sold worldwide.

More Information

Moving goods for process or repair / bringing them in for service, repair or process can mean incurring unnecessary and unrecoverable costs unless you use the correct customs special procedures. Operating IP, and utilising OP, can save a lot of money but it needs to be set up and managed correctly. This workshop examines when to use these procedures, how to apply and how to maintain compliance. Ideal for anyone currently using IP/OP or just wanting to know more.

More Information

Following on from the Beginners Guide to Exporting and Importing, this interactive session covers the critical areas of exporting goods. It covers essential details about the Incoterms® rules, export documentation, and working with freight forwarders to ensure goods are correctly declared. It is ideal for anyone whose job has an export connection, whether in sales, contracts, finance, shipping, or for a managerial overview.

More Information

This core S&H training course is an excellent way to learn about importing. It is designed to provide participants with a practical understanding of essential topics, such as Customs procedures and the UK Trade Tariff, as well as implications for choosing the correct shipping term, paying duties and managing the logistics. The aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to streamline import operations and work effectively with internal departments and freight forwarders.

More Information

In this workshop learner will find out why the tariff is so important, not only because it contains the commodity codes classifications but because of it's link to other trade measures. It looks at the structure of the Harmonised System (HS) and uses interactive session to help you understand how to classify your goods, the importance of section and chapter notes and how and when to use the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs).

More Information

More companies than ever before are now considering a customs warehouse as vital to an efficient supply chain. This workshop explaining how to set up a customs-bonded warehouse facility in the UK will show you how to improve your cash flow, support customs regimes and trade agreements while goods are under customs supervision, and save money by using Simplified Procedures.

More Information

IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Systems) is a web-based service for applying for Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs) for imports into the UK. Applicable to live animals, POAO, HRFNAO and composite goods, understanding how to use this system is vital for many business sectors. Join us in reviewing how to access IPAFFS, complete an IPAFFS notification and process the import.

More Information

All goods need to be valued correctly for customs purposes, whether a sales, returns, temporary movements or free of charge. The clear rules laid down in the WTO Valuation Agreement and adopted into UK law, will be explained during this practical workshop session as will the difference between intercompany pricing and customs valuation. It will illustrate how to build a price for import customs purposes and the costs that must be included and those that can be removed.

More Information

This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to complete export Customs entries in the UK. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to build the data entry information, which data elements are essential, and how to declare license information. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge to complete a basic export Customs entry and the confidence to build on this to submit more complicated entries. This is important whether you are an agent or an exporter.

More Information

The Advanced Food Tariff Classification course is a significant step in enhancing your professional skills and understanding the complexities involved in classifying food products. It aims to build on the foundation of knowledge gained from either the Tariff Classification Explained course or the Focus on Food Tariff Classification course to give the learner a deeper understanding of the topic.

More Information